Men's Basketball hosts No. 19 Pima on Saturday

Friday January 19, 2024 - 11:45 a.m. | Dylan DeVlieger

MCC Men's Basketball takes to their home floor on Saturday as they host No. 19 Pima in an ACCAC battle.

MCC comes into play with a 4-12 record (2-8 ACCAC). The Thunderbirds have lost eight games in a row. MCC does a good job competing in the first half of games as they've only trailed three times going into halftime during this losing streak.

In the second half of games MCC seems to struggle, being outscored in the final 20 minutes in 12 of their 16 games this season, though MCC has been in positions to win games they late either fail to make stops or fail to produce on the offensive end during close out portions of their contests.

Orlando Gonzales has been a bright spot for Mesa scoring 20 or more points in three of his last four games including a career high 29 points and eight three-pointers against Chandler-Gilbert.

No. 19 Pima comes into play with a 14-3 record (6-3 ACCAC). The Aztecs have won three of their last five games but have lost their last two as they fell to No. 12 Chandler-Gilbert and Arizona Western.

Standout sophomore Dillan Baker continues to have a breakout season, averaging nearly 20 points per game for Pima.

This is the second meeting between the two clubs this year, Pima came away with the 109-88 victory in the first meeting on Dec. 9.

Baker had a career high 29 points in the win as PCC shot 50.6% from the field and nailed 11 three-pointers. Jaleon Israel led the way for MCC off the bench as he tallied 20 points in the loss.

The game will take place at Theo Heap Gymnasium and will tip-off at 4:00 p.m. 

Admission for the game is FREE with the donation of a non-perishable food item that will benefit the Mesa Market!

Can't make the game? MCC Athletics has you covered, tune into T-Birds Sports Live to catch all the action!